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2 essays

  1. Vayishlachתשפ״ג

    Mind Games

    The essay explores the themes of intention versus action in the context of Yaakov and Esav, highlighting Dovid Hamelech's prayers in Tehillim and their connection to the Parsha.

    Tehillim

  2. Vayeraתשפ״ג

    Vayera - פרק קכ״א - Heaven and Earth

    The essay explores the origin of the phrase "Ezri M'Im Hashem Oseh Shamayim V'Aretz" in Tehillim 121, tracing it to a Midrash in which Yitzchok silently davened these words while bound on the Mizbeach. Using the Minchas Yitzchok's resolution of the Bais Shammai/Bais Hillel dispute over whether Shamayim or Aretz was created first (based on the principle that the ultimate purpose comes last, and that Shamayim/Aretz correspond to Neshama/Guf), the author argues the purpose of creation is the fusion of the physical and spiritual. Yitzchok's tefillah was thus not a plea born of fear but a request for more time to fulfill his Tafkid in a physical world, and it was answered with "Al Ta'as Lo Meuma."

    Tehillim